Yesterday we reported on a major leak of the Nintendo Switch 2, allegedly coming straight from the factory. But how much of that leak was true?
We are going to have to break this down. If you remember, we reported that there were some images that leaked, and also that the specs for the console were also leaked. Those leaks come from different sources, so we can regard them differently.
Now, it may be just as well that we didn’t share any of the pictures that went around yesterday. Those pictures include what looked like computer aided design (CAD) images of the console, as well as photos of real components.
Our original source on Reddit has now updated their post to state that they do not believe the CAD images are real. Redditor MisterSheeple said this:
“The CAD renders may not be legitimate. It wasn’t stated that the renders were mockups, however the original poster was a 3D modeling enthusiast, so it’s a possibility that should be considered. Nevertheless, the two photos depicting actual hardware are likely real.”
Subsequently, another reddit has come up with a user regarding the photos. Some gamers have put forward the theory that the components were 3D printed, and not built in the factory. They claim that the images cannot have been 3D printed. Their argument goes like this:
“To achieve a 3D print as perfect as this, you would need a nozzle with a diameter less than or equal to 0.1mm (the recommended size would be 0.05m), and these are very, very difficult prints to do, and not only difficult but also very inaccessible, precisely because of the amount of 3D printers support a nozzle like this.
Furthermore, this picture does not show any “signs” of 3D printed objects. There are absolutely no flaws, no support marks, the colors are perfectly divided, something that would be possible with more precision on IDEX (double extrusion) printers, which are extremely expensive.”
Now, it must be said, if the CAD images aren’t real, but they’re from the same source as the photos, doesn’t it raise the credibility of the photos in question? Even if arguments can be made that the photos are more believable, the trustworthiness of the source puts everything they shared into question.
But it seems we have more credible sources to back up the rumor about the Switch 2’s specs. Once again, reddit found a website page from GeekShare, a company that makes video game accessories. GeekShare’s manager Hotneca apparently confirmed that the leak is real. Since that post was deleted, we only have this reddit to stand as evidence that the claim was ever made.
Finally, we got to VideoGamesChronicle, who shared this tidbit in their reporting of the rumor:
“While the images are unverified, one source, who has not seen the final ‘ Switch 2’ console but has been briefed on Nintendo’s plans, told VGC that the Reddit images match what the company has told partners to expect from its design.”
And this is where it seems necessary to make a particular distinction. VideoGamesChronicle’s source did not declare that the images are real or fake. But they are saying that they fall in line with what they also know.
So it’s entirely possible that all this business with the leaked Switch 2 images is fake after all. But, the fakers did enough smart guessing that one of VideoGamesChronicle’s sources is corroborating that those guesses are close to being correct.
The rumor about the specs also falls in line with what dataminers previously found looking at shipping data to Nintendo’s factory. VideoGamesChronicle’s source did not confirm that here, but we can consider those details credible based on the external circumstantial evidence.
In the end, of course, you may choose to be skeptical of everything that has been talked about from yesterday. As we pointed out, if these details are for the prototype, the final product may come in a completely different form.
The funny thing about it is, if what we stated above is the case, the Nintendo may be comfortable not commenting on this rumor at all. They may be completely happy revealing the Switch 2 when they originally wanted to, and apparently that could happen as late as next month.
Really, we’ll find out when we find out.
